The Highway Patrol Group 9 is set to conduct a second stage firearm proficiency and actual firing test anytime.

HPG-9 Chief Sr. Supt. Severino B. Agustin said the firearm proficiency and firing test is a continuing training for HPG-9 operatives aside from their regular mission as law enforcers on anti-carnapping.

Last August 28, 2014, HPG-9 conducted a first group firearms proficiency actual firing test at Camp Abendan.

According to Agustin, the proficiency firing is divided into two groups because one group is put on duty in manning the different units in the region for their regular job on motorvehicle clearance issuance and operations on anti-carnapping law while the other group is participating in the firing test.

Agustin said the command maximizes the assignment, schooling or training of its personnel because of lack of personnel.

“We always continue educating our personnel on gun handling and its uses because it is their partner and weapon in every operation as they are always facing danger in enforcing the law,” he said.

Agustin cited the case of a traffic violator who killed SPO4 Edwin J. Ocupe in Zamboanga Sibugay in May 2012 as the latter was enforcing the law. — Allen Abastillas